Turkey bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a high, snatching a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts the USA on Friday morning to record their first World Cup win since 2002.
Already confirmed as Group D winners, the USA arrived in Los Angeles looking to maintain their perfect start with a third consecutive victory, although one eye was firmly on next Wednesday’s last-32 clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
For Turkey, already eliminated and yet to score after disappointing defeats to Paraguay and Australia, the only objective was to salvage some pride.
ALSO READ: USA vs Australia: USA beat Socceroos to book World Cup 2026 knockout stage spot
Turkey edge USA 3-2 to end World Cup on a high
For the third straight match, the USA made a dream start. One of nine changes to the lineup, backup center-back Auston Trusty was left unmarked at the far post from a corner, giving him enough time to cushion the ball with his left foot before smashing it home.
It was the Celtic defender’s first international goal and, at just under three minutes, the second-fastest goal scored by the USA at a World Cup.
Turkey, however, refused to back down. After failing to score from their previous 62 attempts across their opening two matches, it proved to be 63rd-time lucky as star man Arda Guler got them on the scoresheet.
The Real Madrid forward cleverly dummied Mark McKenzie, allowing the ball to run through to Baris Alper Yilmaz down the right.
Yilmaz delivered a pinpoint cross back into the box, where Guler fired emphatically past Matt Turner to level the score in the 10th minute.
The Americans thought they had regained the lead when Mark McKenzie became the second US center-back to find the net, but his quick finish after Ricardo Pepi’s saved effort was ruled out for offside.
In the 31st minute, the USA fell behind for the first time at this World Cup. Guler spotted Eren Elmali’s overlapping run and released the wing-back, who cut the ball back from the left byline for Yilmaz to guide beyond the goalkeeper.
The halftime interval proved to be the perfect reset for the Americans. Just four minutes into the second half, they restored parity from a long throw by McKenzie.
Turkey only managed to clear the ball as far as Berhalter, who struck a superb low effort into the bottom corner.
Turkey continued to push for another breakthrough, with a curling effort from Yildiz drifting inches wide in the 72nd minute. Then, deep into stoppage time, Kaan Ayhan shattered American hopes by slamming home the winning goal from close range.
Turkey celebrated a morale-boosting victory to end their campaign, while the American players gathered in a huddle after the final whistle, determined not to let the late heartbreak overshadow an otherwise impressive group-stage campaign.
Their focus now shifts to the knockout stage, where they will face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, despite the defeat, the USA secured top spot in Group D, while Australia booked their place in the World Cup knockout rounds after battling to a goalless draw with Paraguay in Santa Clara to finish second in the group.
The Socceroos, who defeated Turkey in their opening match before losing to the United States, were rarely troubled as they earned the point they needed to advance to the last 32 at Levi’s Stadium in Northern California.
The draw also kept Paraguay firmly on course for the knockout rounds as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026